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Countdown Begins: Season Opening of Ice at Canalside

Warm weather might be upon us, but soon enough the cold weather will set in… for good this time. But that only means that we get to look forward to winter activities, such as ice skating and curling. And when it comes to these winter activities in Downtown Buffalo, there is no better place to be than the Ice at Canalside.

The upcoming skating and curling season – not to mention ice bikes and the ice bumper cars – is thanks to hosts Be Our Guest, Ltd., and presenter Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. On Friday, November 25, the Ice at Canalside will open to great fanfare, with a kickoff celebration from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. The family-friendly event will feature a DJ performance, a colorful display of holiday lights, fresh food and drink, and fireworks.

“It’s that time of year when Canalside turns into a scene from a favorite holiday movie; with skating, festive music, and tasty rink side food,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development Board Chairman Robert Gioia. “We encourage everyone to make plans to experience the wonder of winter on the waterfront- with a wide variety of activities, there’s something for every family to enjoy.”

A delicious new menu will also be available at the Nosh and Nibble Snack Shack for guests to indulge their taste buds. 

“The Ice at Canalside offers fun for the entire family right along Buffalo’s historic waterfront in the heart of downtown,” said Kevin Parkinson, VP of Finance and Operations for Be Our Guest. “We have an array of new activities, theme nights, partnerships that we hope will entice all of Western New York to come down and embrace in the experience.”

“Being able to enjoy four seasons, especially on Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront, is one of the many great things about living in Western New York,” said Michael Ball, Vice President, Community Affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. “As the official health plan of Canalside, we’re ready to welcome our community to the Ice at Canalside for another great season of ice-skating and winter activities.” 

Rink admission and skate rentals can be purchased from inside the Honda Winter Pavilion. Guests are required to complete a waiver prior to participating in any activity at Canalside. Waivers can be completed on site or online at www.buffalowaterfront.com. Curling will be available for pre-reservation along with walk-up sales.

Ice bikes and the ice bumper cars are presented by Five Star Bank.

Leagues and specialty programing will be announced in the coming weeks, including Skate Great Learn to Skate, GameOn Leagues, and Healthy Buffalo Broomball.

To visit the ice, take the NFTA Metro Rail to the Erie Canal Harbor Station stop or there is ample parking in Canalside area parking ramps and surface lots. Access to the rink is available from Main Street, Commercial Street and Marine Drive.

Hours of Operation

Monday: CLOSED, leagues and private parties welcomeTuesday: CLOSED, leagues and private parties welcomeWednesday: 3 to 7 p.m.Thursdays: 3 to 7 p.m.Fridays: 1 to 10 p.m.Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Sundays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours:

December 25: CLOSEDDecember 26 – January 1: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.January 16: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.February 20 – 23: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.February 24: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

*Please note that hours may change due to weather. For the most up-to-date hours of operation, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com or follow Buffalo Waterfront on social media.

Pricing:

Public Skating

Age 5 and Under:         FreeChildren and Military: $6Age 13 and Up:              $8Skate Rental:                 $5Skate Walker                 TBD

*Highmark BCBS of WNY Members receive $1 off admission, $10 off season passes, and $19 off family season passes.

Curling

$15 / Per Person                         

4-person minimum; Up to 10 people

Bumper Cars

$8 / 8 Minute Ride                     

Ice Bike Pricing

$12 / half hour

The Ice at Canalside will be open through Sunday, February 26, 2023.

For complete details on the event, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com

The post Countdown Begins: Season Opening of Ice at Canalside appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

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